In the wake of the pandemic, remote collaboration and hybrid work models have become the norm. While the idea of managing a remote team might seem daunting, the advantages can significantly outweigh the challenges when approached strategically.
At MLC, we’ve been a fully remote team since the very beginning, back in 2017, and we’ve discovered numerous benefits that can make the remote work experience not only effective but also enjoyable.
The Bright Side Of Remote Collaboration
Access to Global Talent:
By going remote, you break free from geographic constraints, opening doors to a diverse pool of talent with unique skills and expertise, and enriching game development projects.Cultural Diversity:
Remote work enables collaboration with professionals from various cultural backgrounds, injecting fresh perspectives into the creative process and yielding innovative solutions.Reduced Overhead:
Savings from eliminating a big physical office space and the associated costs translate into more flexibility with pricing, which has allowed us to pass on these advantages to game developers. This allows us to be an indie developer-friendly game art outsourcing option.Time Zone Flexibility:
A globally distributed team means continuous workflow possibilities, accelerating project timelines through round-the-clock collaboration and responsiveness for our clients.Focus on Results:
Remote work shifts the focus from hours clocked in the office to tangible results, promoting heightened productivity and contributing to positive mental well-being.Work-Life Balance:
Remote setups allow team members to achieve a healthier work-life balance, elevating job satisfaction and reducing turnover rates. Our team retention rate over the last 5 years is over 99%!Reduced Commute Time & Carbon Footprint:
Eliminating daily commutes enhances team efficiency and contributes to a greener planet by reducing the environmental impact associated with daily travel.
Navigating Remote Collaboration: Strategies For Success
Now we’ve established the clear benefits of working with a remote team, let’s jump into some effective strategies for managing game art outsourcing teams remotely, ensuring seamless communication, productivity, and creative synergy.
Communication For Remote Collaboration
I’m sure we all agree nothing beats face-to-face meet-ups, but with a remote team how do you cultivate a sense of camaraderie and team spirit in a virtual environment?
Communication is the key:
Prioritise video calls over audio for increased engagement and human connection.
Set clear communication expectations early on, outlining when and how often updates are expected.
Encourage open communication, and make it easy for team members to ask questions, seek clarification, and share updates.
Tip: Try using Gather to bring your team together. We thought it would be a gimmick, but after using it daily for a year, the MLC office team has been brought closer together. One of the main advantages is the feeling that others around you are working. This psychologically helps to motivate and keep you accountable for your work, an important challenge of remote working.
Remote Project Management Best Practices
Document processes, workflows, and best practices in a centralised repository to ensure consistency and provide a reference for team members.
Clearly defining roles and responsibilities ensures everyone understands their contributions.
Develop a comprehensive project roadmap outlining milestones, deadlines, and major deliverables. Then share this with the entire team to provide a clear vision of the project’s trajectory.
Find a note-taking system that suits you. Consider using a to-do list or blocking out time in your calendar for each task. This helps ensure dedicated attention to your projects, aiding in effective daily tracking.
Tip: We’ve found that there isn’t a software that really works for all aspects of game development – So we’re in the process of developing our own. Join the waitlist to get access when it’s ready.
This is early prototype footage of MLC Pro
<iframe title="Embedded content" src="https://magnaludumcreatives.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/MLC-Connect-Deliverables-1.webm" height="nullpx" width="100%" data-testid="iframe" loading="lazy" scrolling="auto"></iframe>Overcoming Time Zone Challenges
When working with a remote team, it’s important to put strategies in place to ensure the workflow is efficient
Leverage time zone conversion tools and schedule key activities during overlapping hours for real-time communication.
Schedule important meetings, collaborative sessions, and high-priority tasks during these overlapping hours to ensure real-time communication.
Implement flexible work hours to accommodate diverse team schedules.
Prioritise tasks and set deadlines with consideration for different time zones.
Tip: World time buddy is a brilliant resource for find best collaboration hours, particularly if working with people over several time zones.
Empowering Remote Creativity
Not being with
